Position Vacant
Lead Researcher
Sahiwal Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a representative body of commerce, industry and trade of district Sahiwal and district Pakpattan. It is incorporated with Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan under Companies Ordinance in 1984 and presently it has more than 1200 members. It is also affiliated with Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Recently USAID Punjab Enabling Environment Project has signed a grant agreement with Sahiwal Chamber of Commerce and Industry to provide technical and financial assistance to establish a Research and Development (R&D) unit in the Chamber’s Office (Sahiwal). The unit will undertake business research that can facilitate members and investors to take informed business decisions. Moreover, it will also gather data and information to provide policy inputs to government to formulate conducive policies to cope with current and emerging issues, which are hampering growth of businesses.
For this unit, the services of a lead researcher are required, who can lead this unit under the supervision of President of Sahiwal Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
1. Specific Tasks of the Researcher:
The researcher shall use his / her education, experience, competencies, and skills to accomplish the following:
- Undertake research specific to business, investment and trade to facilitate existing members and new investors to take business and investment decisions as well as to promote new investment opportunities in Sahiwal region.
- Collect the information and data by primary and secondary research on various business and policy related matters in agriculture, livestock and diary sectors that can help in sector assessment, developing business plans, project feasibilities and policy papers.
- Create and maintain a library of trade and investment related resources / articles / news for use by the members. Keep up to date information about economic and business trends and policies, especially for horticulture, livestock and dairy sectors.
- Perusing newspaper, business magazines, web-based academic and learning resources, and using other research tools, undertake research of domestic trade, import and export, tariff, issues related to commerce and industry, gathering statistics and drafting reports from time to time.
- Conduct regular primary and secondary research, which may involve field, interview or focus group discussions, among local business community to determine business needs and respond accordingly.
- Preparing regular monthly briefs – news bulletin, with news about various events / activities / fairs / delegations / government policies etc., happening in Pakistan and abroad that can be helpful for members of Chambers.
- Develop sector assessment, pre-feasibilities and business plan/proposal, on most relevant businesses to Sahiwal region in agriculture, livestock and dairy sectors and presenting it to the members or senior management.
- Maintain liaison with other chambers of commerce & industry and other stakeholders to gather relevant information and research resources from time to time.
- Provide technical support in report writing, documentation and filing, follow-up on activities, and decisions taken in meetings.
- Develop presentation and give presentations to various delegations visiting Sahiwal Chamber of Commerce or to represent chamber at various forums.
- Arrange and represent Chamber in various events / exhibitions / fairs.
- Perform the tasks assigned by President of Chamber or his nominee, as per need basis.
- Facilitate the President, Executive Body of Chamber, and other staff members of Chambers in their day to day operations.
2. Job Qualifications
- Bachelors‘ degree in business administration, economics, social sciences or related field from a leading Pakistani or international university;
- Minimum three (03) years’ working experience related to research, report writing, developing business plan / feasibility / news bulletin;
- Ability to independently plan and manage work streams;
- Flexibility, creativity, and the ability to maintain a rapid and demanding pace of work;
- Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills;
- Excellent writing skills (English & Urdu) and oral communication skills are required;
- Strong analytical skills and critical thinking; must be able to effectively communicate information and ideas both orally and in writing in English and Urdu;
- Detail oriented and ability to accurately document files;
- Good computer skills with ability to prepare and deliver PowerPoint presentations.
3. Duty Station:
The duty station for this job is Sahiwal. This is a full time job and the researcher will be based at the Sahiwal Chamber of Commerce and Industry office.